Things To Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you are a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities for you to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of fun Louisiana events and activities.
With nine state museums and 21 state parks and preserves, there is no shortage of things to do every day of the year in Louisiana. Head to countless festivals. Listen to live music that will get in your bones and never leave. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating and paddling. Get up close with nature on biking and hiking trails. You'll find excellent camping and picnic areas, including well-equipped cabins and RV parks at a Louisiana state park.
Discover the history of Mardi Gras, see Louis Armstrong's cornet, relive historical moments in Louisiana sports history and so much more when you visit one of Louisiana's state museums. There are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture that makes Louisiana such a special place.
These are just a few #OnlyLouisiana events happening around the state this weekend. For a full list of this weekend's events, click here!
Jambalaya Festival
May 22-25
Gonzales
The smoky-sweet aroma of jambalaya blankets Gonzales at the Annual Jambalaya Festival. Since 1968, the city has delivered an annual weekend of delectable dishes, carnival rides, car shows and live music. If you’re a wizard in the kitchen, sign up for cooking contests. If you’re more of a taste-tester, stick around to enjoy the leftovers.
Just a 20-minute drive from the action is Houmas House Estate and Gardens, a historic sugar plantation and mansion that has been featured in movies like “Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte” and “The Green Book.”
Learn more about Louisiana’s Sweet Spot.
Couillon Fest
May 23-25
Lafayette
Get ready for three days of laugh-out-loud standup comedy during Couillon Fest. Each night features a new lineup of top regional performers alongside national comedic headliners like Ariel Elias, Neil Rubenstein and Zach Reinert. Snag tickets for your favorite show day or get a weekend pass to attend all three.
During the day, there’s plenty to explore in Lafayette. Foodies can sample the city’s sumptuous flavors on a Cajun Food Tour, while outdoor enthusiasts can paddle, fish, hike, camp and wildlife watch at Chicot State Park.
Mudbug Madness Festival
May 23-25
Shreveport
Listen to acclaimed zydeco, blues and jazz musicians, and enjoy endlessly delicious drinks and dishes at one of Louisiana’s largest Cajun festivals. Don’t miss heated competitions like crawfish eating and crawfish calling.
Explore the ocean and learn about its inhabitants at Shreveport Aquarium. Meet more than 1,000 animals from 300 species, including Yoko the baby swell shark and Darla the albino snapping turtle.
New Orleans Greek Festival
May 23-25
New Orleans
Learn about Greek heritage, sample delicious cuisine and enjoy traditional entertainment at the New Orleans Greek Festival. Shop ‘til you drop at local vendors, or take a tour of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the first Greek Orthodox cathedral in the Americas.
Head to the French Quarter for live music, fresh beignets and unparalleled joie de vivre — and to visit the Historic New Orleans Collection. Discover exhibits celebrating immigrant cultures, French Quarter life and the beauty of Louisiana’s natural climate.
Jazz’n the Vines
May 24
Bush
Enjoy an evening of good music, food and wine during Jazz’n the Vines at Wild Bush Farm + Vineyard. The outdoor concert starts at 6:30 p.m. with the eclectic stylings of New Orleans’ Flow Tribe. As you listen to their blend of funk, rock, R&B and country, sip from a selection of tantalizing wines, chow down on food from the Fete au Fete food truck and maybe get out your dancing shoes.
Spend the night in nearby Abita Springs or Covington, and venture out Sunday to see the sights. Fill up with breakfast and coffee from hot spots like Butter Krisp Diner or Abita Springs Cafe. Then, meander the streets of downtown, bike the Tammany Trace, meet the animals at Global Wildlife Center or paddle Bogue Falaya.
Life on Oakley Plantation
May 24
St. Francisville
Dive into the past at this Audubon State Historic Site and learn about what life was like for formerly enslaved people during Life on Oakley Plantation. Visit the cabins where they lived, peek into family life and discover food traditions. Then, uncover the woodcraft and blacksmithing skills it took to create the plantation’s buildings and try your hand at woodworking.
Investigate more local history at spots like the Port Hudson Historical Site — a significant Civil War battlefield. Or walk the stunning grounds of the historical Afton Villa Gardens. After, grab a meal at Magnolia Cafe or enjoy drinks and speakeasy vibes at Proud Mary’s.
Plan your visit to West Feliciana Parish.
Natchitoches Farmers’ Market
May 24
Natchitoches
Start your Saturday morning with a riverside stroll at the Natchitoches Farmers’ Market. Discover tasty items to up your cooking game, like fresh produce, spice blends and preserves, along with handcrafted wares, like jewelry, art and much more. Plus, bring along the kiddos for fun activities and special Memorial Day weekend events.
Looking to get out on the Cane River? Bring your kayak or paddleboard to explore or call Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports for a rental. For land-based adventures, tee off at the nearby 18-hole golf course, see the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum or stroll the historical downtown area for boutique shopping and local eats.
Reggae Fest
May 24
Lake Charles
Whether you’re an avid reggae fan or just seeking a day out with friends, you’ll love the percussive rhythms of Reggae Fest. As you groove to the melodic beats, nom on delicious treats, sip adult bevvies and check out vendor booths for everything from tie-dyed items to luxury candles. Grab your tickets ($10) or come by boat for free admission.
With the event hosted at L’auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles, it’s the ideal time to explore the resort, go to the spa or try your luck on the gaming floor. Outside the casino, Lake Charles’ culinary scene offers sudsy brews, handmade pops and plates of seafood delicacies. Or, hit the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road to visit sandy beaches, birding paradises and wildlife refuges.
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
